Arizona Congresswoman Conducts Unannounced Visit to Phoenix ICE Office
In a move to scrutinize reports of extended detentions, Arizona Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari made an unexpected visit to a Phoenix ICE field office on Wednesday. Concerns had been raised about the facility holding detainees beyond the permitted duration.
Ansari noted that, according to ICE officials, efforts are made to adhere to the 12-hour maximum detention period at temporary sites such as this midtown office. However, recent findings by the Arizona Mirror suggest otherwise, prompting her impromptu inspection.
During her visit, the facility, which has a capacity for 150 detainees, held only 29 individuals, Ansari reported. Nonetheless, she was not permitted to speak directly with those detained.
“I feel like every time we do an oversight visit, we’re informed of a new rule of what we can or cannot do and talking with people here is one of the things that we’re no longer allowed to do,” Ansari remarked.
She expressed concerns about past violations of detention regulations under the Trump administration, particularly in facilities managed by private companies in Arizona, such as Eloy and the Florence Correctional Center.
This inspection marked Ansari’s 13th visit to an ICE facility, as she continues to work with fellow Democratic leaders to evaluate conditions within these centers.
Ansari observed a shift in ICE’s attitude since Kristi Noem’s departure from the Department of Homeland Security. Markwayne Mullin, who assumed leadership in March, represents a change from Noem’s tenure, which some ICE officials described as more defensive and aggressive.
During her visit, Ansari learned that a waiver previously allowed ICE facilities to exceed time and capacity limits, a policy that was in effect for about a year but expired in July. Although she did not possess a copy of the waiver, Ansari intends to seek further information.
